Israeli in murder attempt

An Israeli live-in carer has been jailed for eight years after she admitted smothering her 87-year-old patient with a plastic bag and a pillow.

Allegra Golan, 51, who moved to the UK from Israel 13 years ago, tried to kill former Iranian Airways managing director Hoshane Tagadad in April.

The Old Bailey heard that she had rung 999 and said she had smothered him, adding: “I hope he’s dead.”

When paramedics arrived and told her he was still alive, Golan, who has suffered from psychiatric problems, said: “I put a pillow over his face to kill him — what a shame he’s not dead.”

Judge Richard Hone QC said: “This is on any basis an unusual case. You have had significant contact with psychiatric services in this country.

“You are also a woman of good character. In Israel you had depression and you were treated with a number of different drugs including Prozac.

“You had decided to do something drastic to end up in jail, including possibly to kill the complainant. What may have started off as suicidal impulses turned into homicidal impulses.”

Mr Tagadad suffers from osteoarthritis, dementia and bipolar affective disorder. While living with his granddaughter’s family, it was decided he should have a carer, and Golan, who had met his grandson when she modelled at an art class, moved in.

She moved in at the end of December last year, living in a room rent-free while caring for Mr Tagadad.

But he disliked her and in April it was decided she should move out. Golan said the decision was “unfair” and alleged that the pensioner had exposed himself to her.

On May 3 Golan was told she must leave the following week. At 7pm that night she called police to say Mr Tagadad had exposed himself. The next morning she again rang 999, saying: “I think I have just killed a man. I put a pillow on his head. I believe he’s dead. I have suffocated him. I don’t know if he’s dead or not. I hope he is.”